Rock Solid Aviation brings flight school back to Owensboro airport

Owensboro’s regional airport has officially welcomed Rock Solid Aviation, a new flight school aiming to boost general aviation and train the next generation of pilots in western Kentucky.

The school, owned by aviation entrepreneur and instructor Steve Thompson, recently opened operations at Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport after more than a year without a local training provider. The addition marks what Airport Director Tristan Durbin called “another step in the right direction” for expanding local aviation opportunities.

“We’re really excited. Rock Solid brings a strong track record of training pilots and offering multiple certifications,” Durbin said. “They’ve proven themselves at other airports, and they’ll help increase operations here with more takeoffs, landings, and fuel purchases — all of which support the airport’s growth.”

Thompson said Rock Solid Aviation’s model is designed to serve pilots at every level, from beginners earning a private license to aspiring commercial pilots on a path to major airlines. The school already has students flying daily with plans to expand its fleet as demand grows.

“We’re more than just a flight school — we offer flight training, rental services, and flight experiences,” said Josh Ford, the lead instructor managing the Owensboro location. “The community response has been amazing. We have a lot of discovery flights booked, and interest keeps growing.”

Thompson, who founded Rock Solid Aviation in Lake Charles, Louisiana, said the business focuses on bringing high-quality, flexible training to smaller communities where demand often goes unmet.

“We find airports that need flight training and we fill that gap with strong management, experienced instructors, and a proven training system,” Thompson said. “Owensboro has been very welcoming. We already have students enrolled, and we’re flying every day.”

Unlike some programs with fixed schedules, he said Rock Solid works seven days a week and tailors training around each student’s pace and availability. The cost varies based on commitment and frequency, but Thompson said students often pay far less than at larger programs.

“Some schools will quote you $120,000 for all your ratings. We typically help students do the same for $45,000 to $55,000 — sometimes even less if they’re committed and consistent,” he said.

Durbin noted that the return of a flight school benefits both general aviation and the community at large.



Rock Solid plans to add more aircraft and instructors as enrollment climbs. Meanwhile, the school is exploring partnerships with local colleges. It aims to introduce aviation to more area residents — whether they want to fly professionally or just enjoy the freedom of the skies.For more information about training and flight experiences, visit https://www.rocksolidaviation.com/.